Description

The 308GTB was launched at the Paris Motor Show in 1975 and was built alongside the 308GT4, contrived as a replacement for the 246 Dino. Designed by Leonardo Fiorvanti, the man who styled some of the most iconic Ferrari's including the Daytona, the new 308 was a rakish and attractive body which fused classic elements of Ferrari styling with a thoroughly modern design. For the first two years of production, the body of the 308 was produced in fibreglass after which steel was used. The 308 shared a similar tube frame chassis as the original Dino and 308GT4 with four wheel double wishbone independent suspension. The engine was a V8 unit which was positioned behind the driver; it was transversely mounted with double overhead camshafts and four 40DCNF Weber carburettors, latterly replaced with Bosch K Jetronic mechanical fuel injection.Built in 1979, this lefthand drive 308 was delivered to its first owner Mr. Kingsley by Cressman/Baumgarten Ferrari, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in April 1980. Later imported from Savannah, Georgia in 2014, this Ferrari 308GTS is the more desirable carburettor model, presented beautifully in its original colour of Rosso Corsa with black leather with red inserts and new red carpets; this is certainly the most iconic and striking of colour combinations. The Ferrari 308GTS is quite rare and the most powerful of all the models. After having very little use since its import in 2014, this 308 was treated, in January of 2017, to new timing belts and a service which included recommissioning the brakes and cleaning the carburettor jets. In 2018 this Ferrari received further mechanical work including the gearbox being reconditioned, new clutch and steering rack, new stainless steel exhaust system, the electric window motors serviced and new cables fitted. This lovely Ferrari 308GTS is supplied with a V5C registration document, an MoT test certificate which expires in February 2020, the US registration documents and the original handbook and service book. With only 69,000 miles on the clock, this lefthand drive Ferrari 308 is a very usable car which one can easily settle into driving. This is a great example with the right specification which will benefit when future values rise for the purity of Fioravanti's original concept. For sale by auction on Saturday 18 May 2019 with Historics Auctioneers, Call 01753 639170